Terrafirma still alive in PBA playoff race after crushing Alaska

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Terrafirma Dyip kept their playoff campaign alive after demolishing the Alaska Aces, 105-89, to help improve their record to 4-7.

Coming in with a sense of urgency, Terrafirma played the game like it was their last after flipping the switch in the third quarter and just never looked back until the final quarter.

Terrafirma’s offense – led by main gunner Juami Tiongson – suddenly came alive and helped erase Alaska’s lead in the third frame.

“We talked to them, ano gagawin. Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘I don’t want to end the eliminations with a loss,’ di ba? Do our best. Hopefully mabigyan kami ng chance for these playoffs,” said Terrafirma head coach Johnedel Cardel.

After Tiongson’s offensive showcase, Rashawn McCarthy and Roosevelt Adams also caught fire in the fourth that posted more problems for the Alaska defense.

Tiongson, McCarthy, and Adams scored 17, 19, and 17 respectively backstopped by Aldrech Ramos’ 17 points, in one of the best offensive games of the veteran big man.

“We just wanted to get this win kasi you never know, this game might be very crucial later down the road, baka makapag-playoff pa kami,” Tiongson said.

Despite the loss, Alaska still has the chance to clinch a playoff spot with two games still remaining in their schedule against the San Miguel Beermen and the NorthPort Batang Pier.